Born in Enschede, Netherlands in 1968. Tord first studied industrial design at the Design Academy in Eindhoven (1986 - 1991), and followed this with a Masters from the Royal College of Art in London (1992 - 1994). Studio Tord Boontje was founded in 1996. Tord Boontje lived and worked in London from 1995 to 2005, when he moved his home and studio to Bourg-Argental, France. In 2009 he took up his appointment as Professor and Head of Design Products at the Royal College of Art, and continues work at his London-based design studio.

The challenge and opportunity the Studio has long sought is a delicate marriage of design with emotion that is as broadly accessible as it is enticing. The Studioʼs work draws from a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism, that contemporary does not forsake tradition, and that technology does not abandon people and senses. The Studioʼs designs often temper edges with softness, take inspiration from nature, and employ a décor of forms and layers to engage and entice an observerʼs imagination and emotions. But these references to nature and emotion reflect only an outcome, not the process of design itself. Although the use of technologies and material properties is never celebrated (and is always subsumed within the final product), there is nonetheless a conscious insistence that the Studioʼs work employ the latest production and material technologies in pursuit of its vision.

WAN Interiors + Design is delighted to have Tord join the panel and that he is able to join us for our exciting new award.